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JCI Panaji’s Mental Health Matters – Breaking Stigma Awareness Workshop: A Resounding Success


JCI Panaji’s Mental Health Awareness workshop, “Mental Health Matters – Breaking Stigma,” was a groundbreaking event that brought together students from Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School, Porvorim, to discuss mental health issues and potential solutions. The workshop was a resounding success, thanks to the active participation of attendees and the expert insights shared by guest speaker Mita Arora, Counselling Psychologist & Relationship Counsellor.

The workshop provided a safe and supportive environment for students to open up about their mental health concerns and struggles. Mita Arora’s expert guidance helped attendees understand the importance of seeking help and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Through interactive discussions and sharing of experiences, participants gained valuable insights and learned from others.

The workshop fostered a sense of community among attendees, promoting support and understanding of mental health. Participants left the event feeling empowered and motivated to prioritize their mental well-being. JCI Panaji’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness globally was evident throughout the workshop, and the organization remains dedicated to this cause through future initiatives.

As part of its year-long focus on mental health awareness, JCI Panaji aims to reach people across the globe and promote a culture of support and understanding. The organization believes that mental health matters and is committed to breaking down barriers and stigma surrounding mental health issues.

JCI Panaji invites you to join the movement to promote mental health awareness and support. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized, and individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment.

Social

St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Shines Light on Mental Health with Awareness Programme


The Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Mapusa, Goa, recently took a significant step towards promoting mental health awareness in their community. On 9th February 2025, the parish organized a comprehensive awareness programme on mental health, facilitated by renowned psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar.

The event, which drew a crowd of nearly 200 people, was a resounding success. Participants greatly appreciated the programme, expressing their gratitude for the insightful information and expert guidance provided by Ms. Gadekar and her team. The audience was also eager to learn more, posing a multitude of questions related to mental health.

Ms. Gadekar and her team addressed these queries with sensitivity and professionalism, dispelling many common myths surrounding counselling and mental health. The programme’s impact was evident in the enthusiastic response from the attendees, who requested more such initiatives to be conducted in the future.

The parish recognizes that mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellbeing and is committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and empathy. By organizing this awareness programme, the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, has demonstrated its dedication to promoting mental wellbeing and responding to the deeply felt needs of its community.

The success of this initiative serves as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in promoting mental health awareness. As the parish continues to organize more programmes and activities focused on mental wellbeing, it is clear that the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, is at the forefront of creating a more compassionate and inclusive community.

Key Highlights:

  • The awareness programme on mental health was organized by the Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler.
  • The event was facilitated by psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar, and attended by nearly 200 people.
  • The programme aimed to educate the community about mental health, dispel common myths, and provide resources for support.
  • The parish plans to organize more programmes and activities to promote mental wellbeing and respond to the needs of its community.